Refrigeration control method for refrigerator and refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigeration cycle systems in refrigerators cannot simultaneously provide refrigeration capacity to both the refrigerating and freezing compartments efficiently, leading to energy consumption increases and user experience issues due to refrigerant migration during switching between circuits.

Innovation Solution

A parallel dual-cycle system with two evaporators configured to alternate refrigeration, where the refrigeration state and temperature of each compartment are monitored to determine which evaporator should perform refrigeration, minimizing refrigerant migration losses and energy consumption by switching based on temperature thresholds and user-set adjustment coefficients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional refrigeration cycle system with solenoid valve is used to separately perform refrigeration for refrigerating and freezing compartments, then the system can provide refrigeration to one compartment at a time, but it cannot handle simultaneous refrigeration requirements of both compartments and causes refrigerant migration loss during switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to provide refrigeration to both compartmentsVSAvoidrefrigeration capacity loss during switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the refrigeration system into two independent parallel circuits: a refrigerating circuit with a refrigerating evaporator and a freezing circuit with a freezing evaporator. Each circuit can operate independently to provide refrigeration to its respective compartment, eliminating the need for switching and preventing refrigerant migration losses. The control system segments the refrigeration function into two simultaneous operations rather than sequential alternation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the refrigeration cycle system switches between refrigerating and freezing circuits, then it can serve different compartments, but refrigerant migration causes large loss of refrigeration capacity and increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in serving different compartmentsVSAvoidenergy consumption during switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous refrigeration action in both compartments by operating two independent evaporators simultaneously. The refrigerating evaporator continuously cools the refrigerating compartment while the freezing evaporator continuously cools the freezing compartment. This eliminates the interruption and refrigerant migration that occurs during circuit switching in conventional systems, ensuring continuous useful refrigeration action without energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If a parallel dual-cycle system with two evaporators is used, then simultaneous refrigeration of both compartments is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous refrigeration capacityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional control system that manages both the refrigerating circuit and freezing circuit through a unified control logic. The control system monitors temperatures from both compartments and automatically regulates the operation of two evaporators, making it universal in handling different refrigeration requirements. This multi-functional approach achieves simultaneous refrigeration while consolidating control functions to manage system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for efficient simultaneous refrigeration of both compartments, reducing energy consumption and enhancing user experience by optimizing the selection of evaporators based on compartmental temperature requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a first evaporator performs refrigeration for a first compartment and a second evaporator performs refrigeration for a second compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3477232B1Refrigeration control method for refrigerator and refrigerator
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD
  • EP3477232B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3477232B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3477232B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided are a refrigeration control method for a refrigerator and a refrigerator. The refrigeration control method for a refrigerator comprises: acquiring the refrigeration state of a first evaporator (21) and the refrigeration state of a second evaporator (22); when the first evaporator (21) is performing a refrigerating function, acquiring the temperature of a second compartment (12); when the temperature of the second compartment (12) is greater than the starting temperature of the second compartment (12) and the difference therebetween is less than a first preset threshold, acquiring the temperature of a first compartment (11) and determining whether the temperature of the first compartment (11) is less than a preset first reference temperature, the first reference temperature being calculated according to the starting temperature of the first compartment (11) and a set adjustment temperature; when the temperature of the first compartment (11) is less than the first reference temperature, switching the refrigerator into a state where the second evaporator (22) is performing a refrigerating function. The control method uses the set adjustment temperature to determine the degree of urgency to which the two compartments require refrigeration, and appropriately selects from the evaporators connected in parallel to meet the refrigeration requirements.